Author Archives: robbucher

Bourbon Fills Parks AND Schools With the Sounds of Music

KSO_Purple logo(Will You Be a Happy Pappy?)
Raffle Drawing 9:00 – 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023
KSO Offices 540 Linden Ave. Newport, KY

The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra will hold its Annual Rare Bourbon Raffle on May 20 to help fund free concerts in Devou and Tower Parks this Summer (July – Sept). Great neighbor and long-time supporter — The Party Source — has donated a 6-bottle set (2022 release) of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon, a Woodford Reserve Baccarat edition, as well as 20 rare and pricey bourbons for the KSO’s annual fundraiser. The raffle helps fund the KSO’s free education outreach concerts for 260 regional schools, and free, family-friendly park concerts which have become a Summer tradition.

The November 2022 release of Old Rip & Pappy Van Winkle yielded a few more bottles, yet the complete “vertical set” (pictured) remains hard to come by in 2023. Tickets are $100 per chance (Limited to 650). One winner will be drawn on Saturday night, May 20th between 9:00 – 9:30 p.m. to win all six bottles.

A second raffle will be held following the Pappy drawing for the Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition finished 3 years in XO Cognac barrels and presented in a Baccarat crystal decanter and display case. Tickets are $50 and limited to just 300 chances.

A third raffle brings back the KSO’s 20 Bourbons / 20 Winners. Hard to find and rare bourbons and lots include: Knob Creek 18 year – 30th Anniversary, Smoke Wagon Rare & Limited (along with 8 others for a 9 bottle lot), Willett 8 year, Michter’s Barrel Strength & Toasted Barrel Finish (2 bottle lot), Weller Antique, Full Proof & 12 year Original plus 15 more delicious and scarce bourbons (See attached listing).

Tickets for the 20/20 raffle are $25 per chance. One ticket will be drawn for each bourbon or lot. The winning ticket will be read and attached to that bottle at the drawing. View bourbons and buy tickets: kyso.org/raffle or by phone (859) 431-6216.

The drawing will be held live and streamed on the KSO’s website (kyso.org) and on Facebook Live beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Ticket sales end at 4 p.m. on May 20. Winners need not be present to win. Winners will be notified by email and sent instructions regarding how to pick up their prize bourbon in-person or via a representative with proper ID. The KSO cannot legally ship bourbons. (Northern Kentucky Symphony, Inc. Charitable Gaming License #2704)

Bring free culture, nostalgic entertainment and great music to area schools and parks by buying a chance to win amazing bourbons, and supporting the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra. Buy your tickets today!

KSO_Raffle

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Auditions Announced for THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL and NARIA THE MUSICAL at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCTC_new logoTCT AUDITION CASTING NOTICE

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: Youth Edition

AND

NARNIA THE MUSICAL

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is holding auditions in May for the first two MainStage productions in their 2023-2024 season at the Taft Theatre.

All roles are paid positions.

TCT, the nation’s oldest theatre for children, is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and is committed to a dynamic casting process. All roles are open to everyone regardless of ethnicity, background, ability, or gender identity.

Upon audition registration, you may indicate which shows for which you would like to be considered. Auditions are by appointment only.

You only need ONE audition appointment, even if you are interested in both productions.

Adult performers and young performers ages 9-18 who would like to be considered for TCT’s Young Artist Company, may make an audition appointment by visiting https://thechildrenstheatre.com/jobs-auditions/ 

Appointment dates:

  • Sunday, April 30, 2023, between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM
  • Monday, May 1, 2023, between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM
  • Tuesday, May 2, 2023, between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM
  • Wednesday, May 3, 2023, between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: Youth Edition callbacks will take place on Saturday, May 6, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM

NARNIA The Musical callbacks will take place on Sunday, May 7, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Auditions and Callbacks are held at TCT’s headquarters located at: 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati OH 45227.

If you are unable to attend auditions in person and would like to inquire about a virtual submission, or for information concerning auditions email Maddie Jones at Maddie.Jones@tctcincinnati.com

Visit https://thechildrenstheatre.com/jobs-auditions/ to sign-up for an audition appointment.

PREPARATION CHECKLIST

  1. Please prepare the piano sheet music to a memorized song that shows your acting and vocal range. (1-minute max). The song must be age Remember to have your PIANO SHEET MUSIC, as we will not be auditioning for a cappella skills. An accompanist will be provided. Your sheet music MUST have the piano part, not just the vocal line, and music should be in a 3-ring binder with any cuts CLEARLY marked for the accompanist.You only need a song. You do NOT need to prepare a monologue.
  2. Bring a RECENT 8×10 headshot and up to date performance Even if you upload to the audition website, a hardcopy of your headshot and resume is needed.
  3. Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes ahead of your appointment to check/correct previously submitted paperwork. If we are ahead of schedule, we may bring you in to audition early.
  4. Come with your scheduling conflicts. Due to concentrated rehearsal periods, we ask that conflicts during rehearsals are at a minimum. In an effort to best facilitate all rehearsal times, you will be asked to list all conflicts at the time of the Conflicts may result in a stipend adjustment. Please take note of when rehearsals begin, the day and evening tech and performance schedule, and bring your calendar with you to the audition.

                   ABOUT THE SHOWS

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: Youth Edition 

Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg
Book: Kyle Jarrow
Musical Production Conceived by: Tina Landau

Directed by: Maddie Jones
Choreography by: Roderick Justice and Maddie Jones

The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical, as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world!

The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg.

Rehearsals: September 9 – October 7, 2023
Mon – Thurs: 6:30-9:30 PM, Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM

Tech in the Taft Theatre: October 11–13, 2023 Daytime/Evening

Performances: October 14 –23, 2023

The first Monday of the week is dark after opening. Throughout the week, TCT hosts morning and afternoon performances for school field trips. Afternoon and evening performances for the public take place Friday-Sunday.

SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: (any gender, portrays male) He is optimistic, innocent, and boyish; energetic and sometimes hyperactive. This actor should have the ability to move well and be an extremely physical actor – unafraid of climbing and being on tall objects. Additionally: Must be naturally funny and have great comedic skills and precision. Strong pop tenor.

SQUIDWARD Q. TENTACLES: (portrays male) Grumpy, cynical, dry, short- tempered, generally negative but lovable! This Actor must be a strong tap dancer. Comedic timing skills are necessary.

PATRICK STAR: (portrays male) Well-intentioned but lacking common sense or skills; kind and somewhat clueless, an innocent; a big softie, who can also be prone to sudden child-like fits of rage or frustration.

SHELDON J. PLANKTON: (portrays male) His personality outweighs his size- slick, scheming, nefarious; has the ability to charm; determined, he will do anything to get ahead in life; very greedy, but his heart is still open enough to rekindle a romance with his wife. This character will need to dance and rap skills a plus.

KAREN, THE COMPUTER: (portrays female) Glamorous, a robotic wife of Plankton. She’s been there for Plankton’s every scheme and plot and has become jaded – she’s been there and done that. Strong comic actor, as well as singer and mover.

PEARL KRABS: (portrays female) Mr. Krabs’ bratty teenage daughter. This is a character role with Gospel vocal overtones.

SANDY CHEEKS: (portrays female) A brainy and athletic Texan squirrel who came to Bikini Bottom for a research project. She acts as SpongeBob’s most trusted ally on their quest to stop the volcano from erupting, using her vast amount of scientific knowledge and brilliant inventions to aid the mission.

EUGENE KRABS: (portrays male) The greedy owner of the Krusty Krab, and employer of SpongeBob and Squidward. While everyone is off panicking about Bikini Bottom’s imminent doom, he decides to strike the iron while it’s hot and puts on a huge “apocalypse sale” at his restaurant, exploiting the fear of his fellow fish to make him even richer.

FEATURED ENSEMBLE ROLES:

-Mayor of Bikini Bottom

-Perch Perkins

-Sardines

-Old Man Jenkins

-Mrs. Puff

-Larry the Lobster

ELECTRIC SKATES: Rock and roll band members, the Skates are hard-core, grungy, heavy metals meet World Wrestling. Strong Dancers, very comfortable on skateboards (need to “play” guitar while skating), ability to do skateboard tricks a plus. Also open to rollerblade or inline skating if the actor is expert, with tricks available.

ENSEMBLE: A variety of character types to play several featured ensemble roles; Actors with comedic timing, extremely strong pop/rock or contemporary musical theatre voices and be able to tap and dance Hip-hop extremely well; Seeking STRONG Dancer, Singer, Actors with versatile singing and acting ability who will cover principal roles.

NARNIA THE MUSICAL

Based on C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
Book: Jules Tasca
Music: Thomas Tierney
Lyrics: Ted Drachman

Directed by: Roderick Justice
Choreography by: Maddie Jones & Roderick Justice

NARNIA THE MUSICAL tells the story of four English schoolchildren – brothers and sisters – sent away from London during World War II to stay with their uncle in a large manor. They stumble upon (and through) a wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia, held in the power of the White Witch, whose evil spell has frozen the land, so that it is “always winter – and never Christmas.”

In this spellbound landscape, filled with creatures of myth and fable, the children face temptation and fear, but learn deep lessons of courage, unselfishness, and wisdom that help them grow in spirit and prepare them for life in our world.

From the excitement of the opening number “Doors and Windows,” to the poetry of “Narnia (You Can’t Imagine),” to the stirring “To Make the World Right Again,” your spirits will soar with all those in this enchanted land in Narnia The Musical.

Rehearsals: November 4 – December 2, 2023 (No rehearsal November 22 – 24. Potential added rehearsal Sunday, November 26) Mon – Thurs: 6:30-9:30PM, Sat: 10AM – 4PM

Tech in the Taft Theatre: December 6 – 8, 2023 (Daytime/Evening) 

Performances: December 9 – 18, 2023

The first Monday of the week is dark after opening. Throughout the week, TCT hosts morning and afternoon performances for school field trips. Afternoon and evening performances for the public take place Friday-Sunday.

SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:

ASLAN: (portrays male) Regal and powerful but with an underlying passion, the lion stands as the rightful king of Narnia.​

WITCH: (portrays female) Cunningly sweet one moment then strikingly wrathful the next, she is the one who has usurped the throne from Aslan.

PETER: (portrays teenage male) The oldest of the four children who venture to Narnia. While a young man of integrity, he has had to play the role of parent perhaps too young and thus reflects a somewhat bossy persona.

SUSAN: (portrays teenage female) The second oldest of the four children who venture to Narnia. While compassionate, she also has had to play the role of parent a bit too young, and thus reflects a slight bossy persona.

EDMUND: (portrays young male) The second youngest of the four children who venture to Narnia. Cranky and temperamental, he sides with the witch without his siblings.

LUCY: (portrays young female) The youngest of the four children who venture to Narnia. Sincere and sweet, she leads her family in the adventure.

BEAVER: (portrays male) A cranky pessimist, but at heart a true Narnian patriot who aids the children.

MRS. BEAVER: (portrays female) Plucky and boisterous, she also aids the children in their venture.

TUMNUS: (portrays male) Quirky and nervous, the good-hearted faun gets mixed up in the wrong crowd.

RENWITH: (any gender) The stubborn, tough, and vengeful wolf who challenges Peter to a sword fight in the name of The White Witch.

FENRIS: (any gender) The arrogant and militant wolf who leads The White Witch’s secret police.

DWARF: (any gender) The crusty character serves as the witch’s main ever scratching sidekick.

THE PROFESSOR: (portrays older male) A cheerful yet mysterious man who narrates the show. 

FATHER CHRISTMAS: (portrays older male) A Santa-like character, lacking many of the overt stereotypes, leaves a profound sense of hope and cheer.

ASLAN’S ARMY/ENSEMBLE/PUPPETEERS: (any gender, ages 9+) Various Narnians who fight for Aslan in the final battle and stand by his side when he faces the witch.

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Auditions Announced for YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Footlighters, Inc.

FLI_logoFootlighters Announces Auditions for YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN May 22 & 23 from 6-9pm

Mel Brooks’ electrifying musical comedy will be brought to life at Footlighters Inc this fall, with performances running September 14-October 1.

Join the Frankenstein family business by auditioning for this monstrous musical

Sign up to audition at the link below:
www.signupgenius.com/…/10c0448aeae2babfc1…

What to Bring:

  • Resume
  • Headshot
  • List of Conflicts between July 11-Oct 1
  • Dance shoes to do a jazz/tap combo

Auditions will consist of three parts:

  • Music: 16 bars of an up-tempo song in the style of the show (please make sure to have sheet music in your correct key at auditions).
  • Dance: A jazz/tap combo audition. Tap shoes are not required for the audition.
  • Cold readings from the script
  • Video of the dance audition combination will be available soon for preparation

Please contact the director, John Siedenberg, at jsiedenbergii@gmail.com with questions or accommodation needs.

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2023-2024 Season Announced by TheatreLab Dayton

TLD_logoThe season includes:

PRODUCERS
September 2023

MISERY
October 2023

[title of show]
January 2024

INTO THE WOODS
March 2024

ONCE
May 2024

Tickets will be on sale soon but if you’d like to get in on the action now, check out our season membership options at

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THIS WEEKEND! Family Series: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, April 13-16 at the Aronoff

CB_Beauty and the BeastSpecial sensory-friendly performance April 14, PLUS all shows ASL-interpreted

Cincinnati, OH (April 9, 2023) – Cincinnati Ballet’s Family Series: Beauty and the Beast opens this Thursday! The hour-long, narrated production at the Aronoff Center, April 13-16 is perfect for families. Cincinnati Ballet is proud to continue its commitment to accessible programming for all children for this annual production. In partnership with Cincinnati Children’s, Cincinnati Ballet will offer a dedicated sensory-friendly performance on Friday, April 14 at 10:30 am. Sensory-friendly performances are created to provide a supportive and welcoming experience for those with sensory processing challenges to enjoy live ballet with their friends and family. The environment is relaxed and may include lighting, sound, and other production modifications. Electronic devices, fidgets, and other support items are allowed in the theater. Patrons are also permitted to enter and leave the theater during the performance. In addition, every performance of Beauty and the Beast will be ASL (American Sign Language) interpreted. Select performances will also be audio-described for patrons who are visually impaired. “Cincinnati Ballet believes dance is for everyone. We strive to break down attendance barriers for all audiences,” said Scott Altman, Cincinnati Ballet President and CEO. “Cincinnati Ballet is committed to providing a welcoming experience for our deaf, hard of hearing and vision impaired guests, as well as those with sensory sensitivities.”

The Family Series is an hour-long, narrated ballet performed by the Second Company – CB2 and Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy students. This year, be our guest for the ‘tale as old as time – Beauty and the Beast.’ The love of Beauty, a kind and curious girl, saves a prince cursed to live as a Beast. Plus, the patron experience starts at the door. The Aronoff Center will be transformed into the Beast’s Castle, with free games, crafts, photos, and other activities on all three levels. We are so pleased to welcome families back to the Aronoff for an interactive dance performance created with children in mind. Beauty and the Beast features the familiar storyline re-interpreted with incredible dance. The production, choreographed by Pamela Robinson Harris, is also narrated, making the story easy for even the youngest members of your family to understand and enjoy. The production runs a little over an hour.

Tickets cost $20-$60 and are on sale now. For more information visit cballet.org.

WHO: Cincinnati Ballet

WHAT: Family Series: Beauty and the Beast

WHEN:

  • Thursday, April 13 and 7:30 pm
  • Friday, April 14 at 10:30 am (Sensory-friendly) and 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, April 15 at 11 am, 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm
  • Sunday, April 16 at 11 am and 2:30 pm

WHERE: Aronoff Center for the Arts – 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Ohio

TICKETS: Call 513.621.5282 or visit cballet.org

Cincinnati Ballet 2022-2023 Season Sponsors:
Rhonda & Larry A. Sheakley, Margaret and Michael Valentine, ArtsWave, Mercy Health, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation

About Cincinnati Ballet
Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Under the artistic direction of Jodie Gates, Cincinnati Ballet is a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world-premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and community engagement in local to global communities, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance. To that end, Cincinnati Ballet presents exhilarating performances, provides extensive education and community engagement programs, and offers top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

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